The decline in apple supply ? as much as 90 percent in some places ? forced orchards to cut back on popular pick-your-own events this fall.

Written by

Haley Viccaro
Journal Albany bureau

Orchards in New York are warning that a poor apple crop this season will cause them to run out of supply earlier than usual.

Because of fluctuating temperatures during the spring, the state Apple Association said this year's harvest produced 14 million bushels, less than half of the 29 million bushels produced last year.

The decline in apple supply - as much as 90 percent in some places - forced orchards to cut back on popular pick-your-own events this fall. Farmers, mainly north of the Hudson Valley, said they would be unable to put as many apples into cold storage to keep their shelves stocked ...